X CELAC Summit in Bogotá Concludes with Adoption of Bogotá Declaration

The X Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) concluded in Bogotá today with the adoption of the Bogotá Declaration. The document, comprising 35 agreements, first highlighted the full validity of the Proclamation of Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace and the unrestricted commitment of the bloc's member states to guarantee respect for that declaration. They also considered it timely for a person born in Latin America and the Caribbean to assume the responsibility of holding the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations, believing that such an appointment will strengthen the UN's ability to face global challenges, promote peace, development, and justice. The member nations also expressed their support and solidarity with the Government and people of Haiti in their efforts to achieve political, economic, and social stability, while reiterating their backing for national, regional, and international initiatives to promote peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable solutions in that country. The declaration also reaffirmed the decision of the countries that supported UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/80/4 of October 29, 2025, on the need to end the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed against Cuba, as well as their opposition to laws and regulations with extraterritorial effects. The document recognizes that the designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism and its continued presence on that list creates obstacles to international financial transactions with the island. The CELAC member states expressed concern over the growing number of armed conflicts and emphasized the need to prioritize the peaceful settlement of disputes, diplomacy, dialogue, and the strengthening of multilateralism, with full respect for international law, including the UN Charter. They manifested in the text their willingness to join efforts to deepen cooperation mechanisms in the fight against the various manifestations of transnational organized crime, such as corruption, the illicit trafficking in drugs, the manufacture and illicit trafficking in firearms, ammunition, and explosives. Other topics included in the Declaration address the relevance of coordinating regional action to mitigate the effects of climate change and the need to foster the development and strengthening of flexible financial instruments. The members of the alliance reiterated their commitment to promoting and facilitating collective action and international cooperation, so that the bloc can contribute to the growth and economic development of the entire region. During the Summit, held at the Ágora Convention Center of this capital, Colombia handed over the pro tempore presidency of CELAC to Uruguay.